Saber (FSN) 5

"You're doing indecent things with her, AREN'T YOU!" Taiga screamed as she chased down Shirou with a bokken through the house, Saber following closely behind them. During the chase, she discreetly changed from her robes into her casual uniform. Though she said she would defend Shirou if the need arises, his protests indicated that doing so would only make it worse. As such, she'll only intervene if it becomes life-threatening, or bruises start to appear, at least.

As Shirou ducked under a swing from Taiga, Saber felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning, she saw a girl with violet hair and eyes. She was wearing a uniform similar to the one Shirou wears to school. When Saber turned to look at her, she instantly took a step back in fear, giving her the impression that she was a shy girl. However…

'There's something…sinister. I don't sense it from the girl herself, but something is definitely wrong with her.' "Yes?"

"I'm sorry, Miss…"

"Arturia."

"I'm Sakura Matou. Um, Miss Arturia, but why are you in Senpai's home?"

'Ah, that might be the sinister aura I was feeling. Likely Zouken's influence. Also, her use of the word 'Senpai'. She must have a very close connection to Shirou to call him that.' "I was in Fuyuki for business, and Shirou offered to let me stay. Given he is Kiritsugu Emiya's son, I couldn't refuse."

"Wait, you know Kiritsugu?"

Saber nodded, "We worked together some years ago."

Sakura turned to Taiga and Shirou, the two having gone back into the yard.

"Um, Miss Fujimura," Sakura quietly called out, "She knows Kiritsugu."

However, Sakura was too quiet, and Taiga continued to try to 'kill' Shirou. Sakura continued to try calling her, but was too quiet each time. Finally, Saber sighed, walking over to the two as Taiga was about to hit Shirou's head. Grabbing the arm, steam came off of Taiga's face as she turned to Saber in rage, like an angry bull.

"And just what do you think you're doing?!"

"I do believe Miss Matou is trying to say something."

Instantly, the steam was gone as she quickly turned to Sakura.

"Miss Fujimura, Miss Arturia is a friend of Kiritsugu."

"Oh," Taiga instantly shifted from a demonic aura to an angelic one, "Why didn't you just say so."

After a couple minutes, Shirou, a small bump on his head, prepared more food for the others. Despite how much Saber already ate, she clearly had room for more.

"So, Arturia," Taiga began, "You knew Kiritsugu?" Taiga held it well, but there was a hint of skepticism in her voice.

"I didn't know him for long~"

"Actually, new question, what's the deal with your outfit?"

"Miss Fujimura," Sakura protested, "You shouldn't insult people based on their clothes."

"It's alright, Miss Matou," Saber retorted, "It does look…unorthodox. Simply put, my name is Arturia de Bortaegus, and I'm a private detective from Europe."

'Guinevere, I hope you can forgive me for using your family name in such a manner.'

"Europe? Well, they can be a bit weird over there, so I can't say I'm surprised by your outfit then. But that doesn't explain how you know Kiritsugu."

"Several years ago, Kiritsugu and I met in Germany. We were both hired for a specific case that brought us here to Fuyuki."

"Huh. Then you must've been here for the great fire incident."

'?' "I'm sorry, what fire?"

"Really? You don't know about that? It happened ten years ago."

It took all of Saber's restraint not to widen her eyes in horror. 'Ten years? The same time as the fourth war. Could…could me destroying the Holy Grail have resulted in this fire?' "I'm sorry, I have no knowledge of it. After being in Fuyuki for a few days, I left. Would you describe it?"

It was Taiga's turn to look discomforted. "Well, it's not an easy subject, especially for dear Shirou."

"It's alright, Taiga."

"I can clearly see that it isn't Shirou," Saber retorted, "So I retract my question, and forgive my intrusion upon the matter."

"Thanks," Taiga replied, "Though, how did you come to be in Shirou's house?"

"As I told Miss Matou, I came to Fuyuki for business. Work in Europe was slowing down, so I took a case in Japan. I figured familiar grounds might be worth a change."

"Did you think that Kiritsugu might've helped you?"

"Truth be told, the thought didn't cross my mind. I wasn't even aware he passed away until shortly after I met Shirou."

"Yeah. He passed away in his sleep five years ago."

'Even more unusual.' "At such a relatively young age?"

"Yeah! It shocked all of us. But, you still didn't answer my question."

"I didn't have much money. As I said, work was slow. So, when I told Shirou that I knew his father, he offered to let me stay until my business was concluded."

"Yeah, that sounds like Shirou. He's too kind for his own good."

"I'm right here, you know. And what's wrong with helping others?"

"It's not that you help people, it's that you can't say no when someone asks for help! You're going to work yourself to death like that, boyo!"

"Anyways," Saber continued, "Since I didn't have the money to pay him, I decided to use my skills as a seamstress to make him an outfit."

Taiga's eyes sparkled in glee, "Ooo, free clothes, and one from a seamstress? Well Shirou, despite her appearance, I'll allow Miss Arturia to remain in your household, so long as you sleep in separate rooms." Before Shirou could comment on that, Taiga continued. "So, you're here for work, right?"

"Slight correction, I'm here because of work."

"So," Sakura said, "Are you here for the incidents?"

"I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with what you say. Overseas jobs are vague, unfortunately."

"Well," Taiga replied, "For the past few days, people have been going missing, while others have been found unconscious, barely alive. A recent gas leak left dozens of people comatosed."

'Likely the work of a Master or their Servant.' "That sounds like a good place to start, as it does relate to the request. Thank you."

"No problem!"

They continued to eat their breakfast mostly in silence. After a while, Taiga and Sakura left, though not before Taiga asked one more question.

"Arturia, you worked with Kiritsugu years ago. What was he like back then?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Kiritsugu rarely talked about his past, and, when he did, it was always vague."

Saber briefly glanced at Shirou. "I feel as though this would be a better conversation to discuss with just his son."

Taiga pouted, "Oh, fine!"

"Goodbye, Senpai." Sakura calmly stated, the two now leaving.

"And no funny business with Arturia, Shirou!"

Shirou blushed again, as did Saber, but she was able to keep her composure.

"Well. She was…interesting."

"Well, that's probably the nicest comment on a first impression."

"Well, I worked alongside someone with a very similar personality." 'If Taiga and Cicero ever meet, I don't think any gods will survive.' "Now, I should work on your outfit. I'll also need to forge documents indicating I am what I say I am. Should be done soon. Shirou, I'd like to ask what we should do next."

"What do you mean?"

"I had planned to forge your outfit, then start your training. However, I'm sure you've guessed that this 'gas leak', and these disappearances, are likely connected to the other Servants and their Masters."

"The thought did occur to me as we were eating."

"So, we have a choice. Regardless of what happens today, we should patrol tonight. However, our time during the day should be spent strategically. I can either train you, or we can investigate, likely getting locations that Servants congregate, making it easier for us to find them."

Shirou narrowed his eyes in thought, but quickly came with a response. "If we can find the other Servants sooner, then it's less likely they'll have time to hurt others, right?"

"An apt deduction. As Rin has told you, an expert magus can provide their Servant with greater power. However, that is not the only way. All humans have inant mana within them, and Masters can have their Servants drain that mana, replenishing it for them. If the magus is merciful, this only leaves them comatose for a period of time. However, it's likely that the magus would have their Servant drain all of it, killing them in the process."

"Then we investigate. We can't let them hurt anymore people."

Saber nodded, a ghost of a smile on her face. She returned to the shed, quickly crafting the new outfit. When it was done, however, steam was coming off it. When Shirou asked this, it was because she had to finish it quickly, so the material is still hot. It would be cooled down long before they had to go patrolling. Before she could continue, Shirou had to leave for school, leaving Saber to continue on her own. She forged the legal documents confirming her 'career', which took much longer than she expected.

After several hours, Shirou returned, and the two prepared. Shirou exited the house, wearing a normal blue and white shirt with blue pants, and Saber, wearing her uniform minus the white cape, and the two headed into town.

"Saber, where are we investigating first?"

"We'll start at the 'gas leak'. With my tracking skills, we should be able to find out where the culprit is."

"Are they that good?"

"I was blessed by the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, Hircine, himself. We are simply hunting for our prey."

"O-Okay." 'Daedric Prince? Is that some kind of god?

The sun beat down on Saber, to which Shirou noticed her mild discomfort. "Are you alright?"

"I thank you for your concern, Shirou, but this is something I've come to live with. You need not be concerned about it."

While Shirou didn't continue to voice his concern, it was still there. The two eventually came upon a four story building, police cars surrounding the place. An officer stopped them at the police tape.

"State your business?!"

"I'm a private detective from Europe, here to help investigate." Saber showed the officer her credentials. Shirou wouldn't admit it, but he was nervous that Saber may not have done a good job. He wouldn't doubt her skills, but she did say that forgery wasn't something she did often.

The officer looked at the 'credentials' then back to Saber a few times. His eyes then shifted to Shirou. "And the boy?"

"Someone I'm teaching the ropes to."

The man looked a couple more times before nodding. "You may enter, but the boy stays."

Saber briefly looked at Shirou, who nodded. Turning back, she passed by, before the officer stopped her once again.

"Some traces of the gas remain," he handed her a gas mask and flashlight, "You'll need these."

While she doubts she'd need it, it would be better to keep appearances. "Thank you."

Putting the mask on, she entered the building. The power was out, hence the need for a flashlight.

'Luckily…' Saber thought as her eyes slitted. The room lit up as she could see everything as if it was never dark to begin with. Quickly searching, she came upon the second floor, seeing purple mist lingering out of a room. Entering, she could easily sense the magic coming off it.

'Likely Caster.' Saber's gaze then shifted, as a green orb manifested before moving, leaving a thin green mist behind it. Saber followed it as it went to the roof, before going off the roof. She narrowed her eyes. 'My opponent has the ability of flight.' Saber went back downstairs, heading back outside.

"Did you find anything?" The officer stated.

"Preliminary stuff," Saber replied, taking off the mask, "On their own they mean nothing. If I discover anything, I shall inform your chief."

The officer nodded as Saber left, Shirou noticing that her pace has quickened.

"You found something."

"Yes. A Servant did this, and I'm following their trail. This won't be simple, though. They can fly, which means I have to track their aerial progression. This means we'll likely be taking several back alleys to try to follow it."

Shirou nodded, not having any complaints. If they were hunting the Servant who did this, he wasn't going to complain about how they track them. For the next hour, they navigated the streets, Saber following the green mist in the sky. Due to its color and thinness, combined with the sun itself, it was becoming difficult to track it, but she managed.

"Saber, forgive me for saying this, but how did you convince that officer to let you through? Even if the IDs were good, they'd likely call the station to get you clearance."

"In my time as ruling, and even before, I've developed a…skill set, for making people listen to what I have to say. Even the most hard headed individuals have been talked down from a little persuasion or intimidation."

"I guess that explains the Charisma trait."

"I do find it odd that you're able to see it like a spreadsheet. But it isn't unhelpful."

"Wait, you mean you can't see it?"

"Yes and no. Shirou, you have the magic skill to see other Servant's traits, due to you being a Master. If we had a proper connection, you could share the entire…sheet, I guess, with me instantly. However, because it isn't, it's why you had to verbally say Berserker's stats. But, let's focus on the Servant at hand."

Shirou nodded, and the two continued their hunt. After another hour, the mist dived into an alleyway, before continuing near the ground.

"The trail has gone to ground level. This should make it easier to follow."

"How long can a 'trail' be found before it goes cold?"

"Technically, never. When it comes to Hircine, he will never fail in finding his target, unless other god-like entities are interfering. We'll find them, Shirou. Have faith."

Another hour, and they were now nearing Ryuudou temple, when Saber came to an abrupt stop.

"Saber?"

"We may not have found the enemy Servant, but we've found their base."

"Are you sure?"

"Shirou, you can't see it, so I'll explain. My skill shows a green mist of where the target has been. And, right now, the target has gone too and from this temple enough times that the trail between the bottom of these steps and the top is almost opaque."

"Okay, so we know where they're located. Should we attack when night comes?"

"You're asking me?"

"You seem far more experienced at this."

Saber smirked, "And who's the master in this pact?"

"No master, simply partners."

Saber's smile disappeared, as she looked at him in bewilderment. She had simply assumed he didn't like to be referred to as a master, but he truly doesn't see her as a Servant, but a partner, despite the clear skill gap between them. It was…

"Amusing." She muttered.

"Sorry?" Shirou inquired, not hearing what she said.

"Forgive me. As for what we should do…If it's Caster, I'd want to attack as soon as possible. The last Caster I fought…the less that's said about him, the better. However, this presents a problem. To attack a mage in their home turf is inviting trouble. Attack a Caster Servant, even worse. It would be unwise to attack him until we know we can strike him outside the temple."

Shirou nodded. He didn't like the idea of letting Caster roam free, but he understood what Saber was saying.

"Shirou, do you wish to continue?"

Shirou looked at the setting sun. "No. We should head back. It'll be night soon, and we'll need to be ready."

Saber nodded, hoping for that answer. Shirou certainly has a long way to go, but at least he understood some aspects of respites. The two began walking away, passing a woman with blue hair and dark blue eyes wearing a purple jacket. As Saber walked past her, her hunting instincts kicked into high gear. The sign of her prey being found. Saber gave a silent gasp, turning her head to look back at the woman. Said woman clutched her head in pain, before turning her head, seemingly knowing where the source came from. She looked at Saber, her eyes narrowing in anger.

'So,' Saber narrowed her eyes, 'You're Caster.'

The two narrowed their eyes, but Saber merely turned around, quickening her pace to catch up to Shirou.

"Shirou, a slight alteration."

"What is it?"

"Caster isn't a man. It's a woman."

Shirou looked at her confused, then turned his head briefly, seeing the woman walking up to the temple, her gaze never leaving the two. He quickly put two and two together.

"And now Caster knows we have her in our sights."

"Yes. She'll be ready for an attack now. All the more reason to wait."

The two returned to the Emiya household. Saber told Shirou to get some sleep, as he'll need to remain awake during the night. Not arguing with her logic, he quickly went to sleep. Hour later, as night had fallen, Saber, armored but wearing her cloak, stood watch upon the roof, completely invisible to the untrained eye, and barely visible to the trained eye if they weren't looking for her.

"Saber?" Shirou called out, exiting the house. He wore a black ankle-length tailcoat, a high-necked waistcoat with gold accents, cinched black pants, brown-black winklepickers boots with taller heels and a pair of black gloves. Jumping from the roof, she landed next to him.

"Shirou, is the outfit to your preference?"

"It's fine, Saber. Not sure about the heel boots, but I can manage."

Saber nodded, "Then let us begin."

The two headed back into town, the moon illuminating their surroundings. An eerie silence had fallen upon Fuyuki. Saber's eyes were constantly shifted, watching for the slightest change. Shirou, however, had a lingering thought. He dreamt of his father's final moments, and it reminded him of something earlier today.

"Saber."

"Yes, Shirou."

"Earlier, you said that you met my father during a job here in Fuyuki."

"Yes."

"You also said you participated in the previous Grail war ten years ago."

Saber knew where this was going. "...Yes."

"Did my father participate in the Fourth war?"

"...Yes. I was his Servant."

"What did he wish for?"

That caused Saber to nearly miss a step. "I'm sorry?"

"With how powerful you are, I figured my father would've won."

"I'm sorry. I'm not sure. We were at the very end. It was just me and the Archer Servant, Gilgamesh. However…An explosion destroyed both me and Archer. From you, I know that he survived it, but I'm not sure if he technically won."

"Oh…I see."

"Furthermore, I am actually far stronger than I was during the Fourth war."

"Wait, but, if you are only summoned moments after you return, how~"

Anticipating the question, Saber interrupted, "Simply put. Forces beyond this world took an interest in me, and ripped me from this world into their own. That dream you had, involving the dragon. That wasn't on Earth."

Shirou's jaw dropped slightly. First magical wish granting relics, now alien worlds? Sure, they might still technically be humans, but they would still be considered aliens!

"So, let me get this straight. You're~" Shirou caught himself, almost saying her historical name, "A really famous king and, after the Fourth war, got…abducted by aliens."

Now it was Saber's turn to jaw drop, as, when put like that, it sounds both stupid and hilarious to hear. Enough that Saber actually turned around to try to hide her twitching smile that was forming.

"Put bluntly…Yes. Can we discuss this later?"

"Sorry, Saber. Just the absurdity~"

"Yes, it is highly unusual. However, let us refocus on the task at hand."

"Right."

As they continued, they noticed a girl entering an alleyway. However, her stance seemed…unusual to Saber. She followed the girl, Shirou closely behind her, as the two entered the alleyway. They followed her closely, quickening their pace to try to catch her. Saber saw the girl was wearing the same school uniform that Shirou wore. More importantly, it seemed like she was in a trance.

"Ayako?" Shirou exclaimed, running to her. When she didn't respond, he shook her shoulders. She blinked her eyes several times, the dullness dissipating.

"Ugh," Ayako groaned, placing a hand to her head, "What happened? Shirou? What are you doing out here so late?"

"I should be asking you that."

"What do you mean?"

"How did you even get here?"

"That's…a good question. I was heading home when I came across Shinji. We had an argument, and then…then I was here."

"Will you be alright, Miss Ayako?" Saber inquired, alerting Ayako to her presence.

"Huh? Who are you?"

"A detective. Shirou here is assisting me."

Ayako sighed. "Go figure Shirou would be helping someone like you."

As Ayako and Shirou talked, Saber sensed the presence of another Servant. Based on the rules, if Ayako sees what's about to happen~

"Miss Ayako, you look tired."

"Huh? Well, I feel a little winded, but I think I can walk home."

"I'm not so sure."

"Oh, please, I'm not some frail~" Before she could continue, Saber discreetly casted a sleeping spell on Ayako, causing her to fall, Shirou catching her before she hit the ground.

"Good reflexes, Shirou."

"Why did you do that?"

"Because," Saber turned her head to glance behind her, "We have company."

Standing at the corner to the alleyway, a woman in black and purple clothing stood. Her long purple hair matched said outfit, as did the purple blindfold.

'The stench of blood is on this woman. I can guess what would have happened had me and Shirou not been here for Ayako.'

"Well, well, well," a new voice, clearly a boy's, exclaimed, "To think that you would be a Master, Shirou. Seems my curiosity has paid off."

Coming down from a fire escape stairs, a boy wearing a similar school uniform to Shirou walked. He had dark blue hair and gray blue eyes, and his expression showed one of slight annoyance.

"Shinji?" Shirou replied," You too?"

"You too? Are you truly surprised? As the first born son of the Matous, it's only natural that I participate."

"I didn't know your family could use magic to begin with, so I'm sorry if I didn't notice."

"Oh?!" Shinji scowled, "So just because my family has been running dry on magic, you think I'd be a worthless magus!?"

"Shinji, that isn't what I meant!"

"Did you think it was funny, hiding your magic all this time from someone you considered a friend?"

"Shinji~"

"Shirou," Saber muttered, "This man clearly feels like you've betrayed him in some way. However, in such a situation, I doubt words alone will convince him here."

Shirou stared at Shinji, said man bring up a book, said book opening and magical energy emanating from it.

"Shinji," Shirou declared, setting Ayako down against the wall and standing up, "What is your wish?"

"What?"

"What is your wish?"

"Why should you care?"

"I don't want anyone to get hurt. As long as you don't have a malicious wish, I'm sure we could work together."

Shinji narrowed his eyes, "I have no reason to tell you my wish. Besides, it's foolish for a magus to tell someone else their plans. Rider!"

Rider summoned a pair of daggers, chains protruding from the handles, and launched herself. Saber threw the cloak off, summoning her helmet, and swung at Rider, only for her to leap into the air. Dozens of chains formed around the alleyway, giving Rider places to leap from. As she bounced to and from, Saber kept her eyes on her, not failing to notice the chains circling her. However, her eyes never left Rider. The chains circling her then tightened, attempting to trap her. However, Saber was quicker, and leaped at the last second. Rider then used this moment to attack Saber midair. She did a diving kick to Saber, who blocked the attack with her sword. She then punched Rider in the gut, sending the two back to the ground. While Saber looked barely phased, Rider was breathing deeply, though not heavily.

"Come on, Rider! I refuse to let you lose!"

"Master," Rider replied, "Something is off about this Servant."

"I don't care!"

"Master of Rider," Saber declared, "I would take heed of your Servant's words."

"And you can shut your mouth. Once~"

"Master." Rider interrupted. Her gaze seemed off, like she wasn't looking at her.

"Oh, great! Now Lancer is here!"

'What?' Saber and Shirou turned, though Saber only turned her head, making sure Rider was still in her vision. Sure enough, a black figure was in the shadows, holding two spears. 'How did I not sense him?'

"Lancer?" Shirou exclaimed. The figure made no move, just stood still.

'Something's wrong.' "Shirou, Lancer only had one spear. Given his identity, said Lancer should only have one spear. Yet this one has two."

"What do you think?"

"Maybe," Shinji mocked, "You made a simple mistake."

"No," Saber retorted, "The outfit also looks different."

Saber's eyes shifted, giving her dark vision. Yet, even with that, she couldn't see Lancer's? face. However, the outfit was something she recognized. Now Saber fully turned around. "Diarmuid?"

Lancer? took a step forward, entering the light…But the blackness of his body stayed. And it wasn't just blackened clothing. The skin, hair, everything, was shades of black. No eyes could be seen, only black voids.

"What the…?" Shirou exclaimed as he backed away, getting behind Saber.

"Emiya," Shinji cried out, "Is this some kind of trick?"

"Master!" Rider cried out, having turned around. Shinji turned, seeing a woman in Japanese clothes, also blackened like the unknown lancer, holding a paper fan. Shinji backs away, both he and Shirou hitting each other's backs.

"Emiya, are you doing this?!"

"No!"

As they spoke, a grating sound could be heard above Saber. She looked, a blackened figure in a trench coat falling towards her. He swung a greatsword down upon her, forcing her to leap away. The man then stood next to the shadowed lancer.

"What the hell's going on?!"

"Saber," Shirou called out, "You don't think it's Caster, do you?"

"No. Look at their attires. One's clearly eastern, while the others are european. Not only that, but different eras of Europe. Whatever's going on, it's not normal!"

Saber observed the situation. It was her against Rider and three unknowns. While she was certainly strong~Saber looked at Shirou and the still unconscious Ayako~She wasn't sure if she could win without one of them getting hurt.

"Rider," Saber declared, "Since we are in an unusual situation, might I propose a ceasefire until these…Shadows, are dead."

Rider made no sound, but slightly turned her head to Shinji.

"Shinji…" Shirou pleaded. Shinji scowled.

"Aug, fine! Rider, help Saber kill these bastards!"

Rider nodded, Saber discarded Excalibur, summoning her twin blades, and the two charged. Rider attacked the Shadow woman, who used her fan as a makeshift shield and bladed weapon, swinging at her. Rider wrapped the chain around her before slamming her into the wall. Before she could continue, the Shadow breathed fire, forcing Rider to dodge. Having the chains removed, the Shadow did a slight breath of fire on her fan, now enhancing it. Meanwhile, Saber engaged the other two Shadows, easily being able to counter their attacks.

'Whatever these Shadows are, they pale in comparison to the real deal.'

"Saber," Shirou exclaimed, "Whatever their stats are, I can't see them."

"Can you see their class?"

"Yes. Rider is facing a Berserker, while you're facing a Lancer and Assassin."

"Berserker?" Shinji exclaimed, "But that doesn't make sense?"

"Tell me about it." Saber muttered.

Saber and Rider continued to fight the Shadow Servants, Rider only having mild difficulties with the Shadow Berserker. Saber dodged a thrust from Shadow Lancer, gripping his arm, and using her free arm to decapitate him. As soon as she did, the body dematerialized. Unlike a normal Servant, which dissipates into golden particles, this one dissolved like a liquid.

'Just what is going on?'

Shadow Berserker slashed at Rider, forcing her back towards Shinji and Shirou. Caught off guard, Shinji fell to the ground. Shadow Assassin then summoned a rope next to him. Saber narrowed her eyes, waiting for whatever plan he had. He cut the rope, and a rapid grating sound came…from behind her!

"Shinji!" Shirou cried out. Saber turned, and her eyes widened in horror.

Shirou, on the ground, with a guillotine in his upper back. Based on what Shirou said, it was likely that Shinji was the intended target, but Shirou pushed him out of the way.

"Emiya, you idiot!" Shinji roared, a hint of concern in his voice. Saber, without a second thought, blitzed to him, lifting the guillotine blade off him. She then turned it towards Shadow Assassin, and kicked. The speed and force of the blade bisected S-Assassin diagonally, before the blade impacted the corner of the alleyway. Rider, now knowing her Master was unharmed, quickly returned her attention to S-Berserker. She blitzed at her, taking off a leg and, when S-Berserker fell to the ground, Rider impaled her head. Like S-Lancer, the other two Shadows dissolved.

"Shirou!" Saber cried out, kneeling to him. The clothing prevented him from being bisected, but the blade still cut deep.

"Shinji," Shirou grunted, "Are you alright?"

"Are you seriously asking that now?! Gods, you're such an idiot! Why did you do that?!"

"I didn't want you to die."

For some reason, that answer only made him angrier. Before he could reply, Saber interrupted.

"Forgive me, Master of Rider, but I must see to my Master. Would you be willing to depart for tonight?"

Shinji only scowled before throwing a hand up. "Whatever."

"Thank you." 'However, there's one thing I'd like to do.' She muttered to Shirou, "Shirou, it's clear that Shinji was about to use Ayako to fuel his Servant. What are you going to do?"

"Is there a way to prevent him from doing it again?"

"I have…an idea, but I'm unsure if it'll work. And, if it does, we might be put at a disadvantage."

"If it'll prevent people from being harmed, do it."

"Alright. Hold strong for a moment," Saber stood up, "Rider!"

Rider turned around, daggers ready. Saber walked right up to her, neither making any move of hostility. Shinji looked both angry and unnerved, expecting an attack. Instead, Saber summoned a blue flask.

"What~What is this?" Shinji demanded.

"Something to help your Servant."

"And why should I believe you?!"

"Because I am Shirou's Servant."

Shinji scowled. Saber had a point. Deception isn't in Shirou's MO. "Take it."

Rider took the flask, and drank it. Rider's aura then increased tenfold, giving a slight wave of energy.

"What~What just happened?"

"As I thought," Saber muttered before speaking aloud, "Rider, so long as you and your Master keep your activities to solely the Servants and Masters," Saber summoned a small chest, before dumping several small mana potions, "We are willing to compensate."

Shinji smiled, "If you want to give us an advantage, I'm not complaining. Rider, take it!"

Rider took the chest, closing it, and the two then left. As soon as they were out of sight, Saber quickly turned to Shirou, applying healing magic.

"Shirou, what about Ayako?"

"Heal me enough to walk, and we'll bring her to my place," Shirou grunted in pain, "Taiga is going to lose it."

Shinji continued to walk, Rider having gone to the rooftops to remain hidden. When she dematerialized, the chest didn't go with her, and Shinji wasn't going to carry the chest all the way back home.

"Rider, are you certain the drink helped you?"

"Yes, Master. Whatever was in that had enough Mana to restore me to full strength."

"Hmph. The idiot doesn't understand how this whole thing works. Sooner or later, one of us will have to die."

"That will violate the promise you made~"

"She only made that promise thinking the idiot wouldn't be a Master. Since he is, the promise is voided. Do not question my orders, Rider."

Rider made no comment, but her eyes twitched behind the blindfold. From a nearby rooftop, an elderly man holding a walking stick narrowed his eyes. Zouken Matou. He observed the entire encounter, and he was…perplexed.

"Interesting. Shadow Servants. This Grail War will certainly be unique."

With those final words, his body turned into bugs, and he 'flew' away.

Author's Notes: In case anyone asks, I basically gave Shirou Joker's thief outfit from Persona 5, minus the mask, of course. As for giving Rider mana potions, tell me that Shirou isn't the type of person to put himself at a disadvantage if it meant keeping innocent people out of harms way. Also, given how strong Skyrim Saber is, regardless, I doubt it's much of a disadvantage.

As always, leave a review, fav/follow, and I'll see you all next time.